They’ve deferred a bunch of committee business during the past two weeks, so we can expect a long night. Of note, they’ll be in closed session for many Planning Committee items including a last minute settlement offer from the King and Dundurn Shoppers Drug Mart development.
I’ll be at City Hall until the end.
Live video starts at 5pm.
Here’s a bullet point list of some of the issues on tonight’s agenda
– Anti-Racism Resource Centre
– Age Friendly City
– Snow Angels Increase
– DARTS Service Review
– Planning Cmte Closed Sessions
– Trimming of Citizen Cmtes
– Changing Funding for Non-Profits / Charities
– Ticats Highway Sign
– Bayfront Strategy (Industral Lands Renewal Planning)
– Food Security
– Barton Tiffany Urban Design Study
– James North Mobility Hub Study
– King/Dundurn Shoppers OMB Legal Battle – last minute settlement offer
from developer
Anti-Racism Centre
Audit, Finance, and Administration Committee approved $130,000 for the first 18 months of a new anti-racism resource centre to assist those who experience racism and/or race-related oppression.
The centre is based upon a recommendation fo the City’s citizens’ advisory Committee Against Racism.
Age-Friendly Hamilton
Emergency and Committee Services passed an comprehensive report recommending wide-ranging changes to City services and practices to better prepare the City for an aging population. Safe streets, crossings, more accessible services, and better supports for quality life are among the recommendations. Attached to the motion is $50,000 to be considered as part of the 2015 budget to implement the program.
Senior of the Years Awards Ceremony
The city is looking to add a half-time position at $50,000 per year to continue having the annual City of Hamilton Seniors Awards as a gala event. E&CS approved the concept, with a referral for funding to the 2015 budget.
Snow Angels Budget Increase
Hamilton’s snow angels program – which matches volunteers with those requiring snow clearing due to age or physical challenge – already costs $100,000 per year for Volunteer Hamilton to administer the program.
E&CS voted to add $120,000 to the budget this year to hire a third-party to clear snow for those who are not matched with a volunteer